why is indesign cc opening pngs in microsoft window instead

2 min read 23-01-2025

why is indesign cc opening pngs in microsoft window instead

InDesign is a powerful tool for graphic design, but sometimes it can be frustrating when it doesn't behave as expected. One common issue is PNG files opening in another program, like Microsoft Windows Photo Viewer, instead of InDesign. This article will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide solutions to help you resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

When you double-click a PNG file, your operating system determines which program to use to open it. This default setting depends on your system's file associations. If your system mistakenly associates PNG files with a different program (like Windows Photo Viewer), then InDesign won't be used.

This issue stems from how Windows handles file associations. It's not an InDesign-specific problem, but a Windows configuration one. The solution involves resetting these associations.

Troubleshooting Steps: Why InDesign CC Isn't Opening PNGs

Here's a step-by-step guide to fix this issue:

1. Check File Associations in Windows

Open File Explorer: Navigate to the PNG file you're trying to open.
Right-click: Right-click the PNG file.
Choose "Open with": Select "Open with" from the context menu.
Select InDesign: If InDesign is listed, select it. If not, click "Choose another app". A list of programs will appear.
Locate InDesign: Find "Adobe InDesign" in the list and select it.
Set as Default: Crucial Step! Make sure to check the box that says "Always use this app to open .png files". This is what prevents the problem from recurring.

2. Reinstall or Repair InDesign

If the above doesn't work, try repairing or reinstalling InDesign. Sometimes, corrupted installation files can interfere with file associations.

Repair InDesign: In the Creative Cloud app, find InDesign and select "Repair". This will attempt to fix any corrupted files without requiring a full reinstall.
Reinstall InDesign: If repair doesn't work, uninstall InDesign completely from the Creative Cloud application and then reinstall it. This is more drastic, but often effective.

3. Update Windows and InDesign

Outdated software can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior. Ensure your Windows operating system and InDesign are both up-to-date. This often solves compatibility problems.

Update Windows: Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Update InDesign: Open the Creative Cloud desktop app and check for updates.

4. Consider Using "Place" Instead of Double-Clicking

Instead of double-clicking the PNG file directly, open InDesign and use the "Place" command (File > Place). This method bypasses the default file association and directly imports the image into your InDesign document. This is a good workaround, even if you resolve the file association issue.

5. Check for Conflicting Software

Other image editing software or viewers might interfere with InDesign's ability to handle PNGs. Temporarily disabling these programs (or uninstalling them if unnecessary) may help isolate the problem.

Preventing Future Issues

Once you've resolved the problem, it's important to prevent it from happening again. Always make sure to set InDesign as the default application for PNG files after installing or updating the software.

Conclusion

If InDesign isn't opening your PNGs correctly, you're likely dealing with a Windows file association problem. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can regain control and ensure InDesign opens your PNG files as expected. Remember to use the "Place" command as a reliable workaround, ensuring smooth image import into your projects.